Biological sciences

Structure, expression, and extracellular targeting of PM27, a skeletal protein associated specifically with growth of the sea urchin larval spicule

Article Abstract:

The PM27 gene is involved in the growth of spicules in the sea urchin larva. This gene encodes a 27 kDa protein whose N-terminus is similar to other fiber-forming proteins and whose C-terminus is similar to C-class lectins. The protein is expressed in the primary mesenchyme cells in the growing tip of the spicule.